Richard Mennear

Anticipation is building ahead of the biggest Tyne-Wear derby in a generation - and we've got it covered.

Sam Allardyce takes his Sunderland squad to face Rafa Benitez's Newcastle United at St James's Park on Sunday - with both sides battling against relegation to the Championship.

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce

Safety is worth more than £100million to each club with the new bumper £5billion television contract coming into play from next season making this the biggest derby day since the 1990 play-off semi-finals.

Doomed Aston Villa already have one foot in the Championship, with two from Sunderland, Newcastle United and Norwich City realistically set to join them.

Allardyce's options ahead of Sunday have been given a significant boost in recent weeks with the return to fitness of Younes Kaboul and Seb Larsson, while Jeremain Lens is expected to be in the match day squad.

Should Big Sam go with Kaboul or recall captain John O'Shea? Jermain Defoe or Dame N'Doye up front? And should Jack Rodwell keep his place?

* Jermain Defoe: More pressure on Newcastle than Sunderland in Tyne-Wear derby:

Sunderland striker Defoe believes there is more pressure on Newcastle’s shoulders in this weekend’s Tyne-Wear derby showdown, despite the desperate need of both North East clubs for precious points in the relegation battle.

We are counting down some of Sunderland's greatest ever wins over Newcastle in the Echo this week and our coverage started with a look back at the 50s. Keep an eye out for famous wins from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and the modern era.

* Tyne/Wear derby countdown: Sunderland’s best wins over Newcastle United in the 1950s: